Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Why Hiroshima as the Target of US
Atomic Bomb in 1945
Inas Fathyasyifa Shabrina1
1 2
Graduate Student,
Japanese Studies Program,
Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia,
Depok16421, Indonesia
Abstract:- This article analyzes background aspects on
why United States chose Hiroshima as prime target for
the atomic bomb attack. Based on many existing
researched of World War II, there were many opinions
from experts on why the United States dropped both
atomic bombs in Japan. United States initially chose
five cities as the targets to end the war, from all
Japan’s major cities, they are: Kyoto, Hiroshima,
Kokura, Yokohama and Nīgata. Kyoto, known as the
most important city for Japanese culture, was erased
and focused on Hiroshima as the main target. By
knowing what matters were taken into account by the
United States about Hiroshima which was selected as
the main atomic bomb target, it can be concluded that
the United States did not only consider the political
and military interests, but the United States also
considered the cultural interests.
Keywords:- United States, Atomic Bomb, Hiroshima,
Japan, World War II.
I. INTRODUCTION
Hiroshima City, in World War II, became world
highlight as the first city in the world ever destroyed by an
atomic bomb by the United States of America. Atomic
bomb was only used twice in World War II, at Hiroshima
and Nagasaki cities. Conflict between Japan and countries
in Asia started when China admitted their defeat in Sino-
Japan War I (1894-1895). Not long after that, there was
war between Japan and Russia in 1904-1905 with victory
on Japan side. Once Japan won the war on Russia and
controlled Manchuria, Japan had confident to expand their
territory and influence.
Western countries criticized Japan’s ambition at the
time. Japan government predicted America as the Western
country that against their expansion plan.
Therefore, on 8 December 1941, Pearl Harbor
military base in Uniter States was attacked by Japan. The
event turned USA focus on preparing attacks to Japan. The
war was going to an end but Japan refused to surender and
ignored Potsdam Declaration issued on 26 July 1945. USA,
with full consideration from England and Soviet Union,
chose two cities as target of atomic bomb named Little
Boy and Fat Man.
IJISRT19JUL305
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
I Ketut Surajaya2
Professor of History Departement of History
Japanese Studies Program
Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia,
Depok, 16421, Indonesia
They were Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The explosion
of atomic bomb in Japan put an end on World War II.
USA, with full consideration from England and Soviet
Union, chose two cities as target of atomic bomb named
Little Boy and Fat Man. They were Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. The explosion of atomic bomb in Japan put an
end on World War II.
II. LIERATURE REVIEW
J. Samuel Walker wrote “The Decision to Use the
Bomb: A Historiographical Update” in “Hiroshima in
History and Memory” (Horgan, Michael J.1996:11-37).
The article described J. Samuel Walker research on US
decision to launch atomic bomb attack to Japan. J. Samuel
Walker described debates happened in the world over US
decision to attack Hiroshima using an atommic bomb. The
article did not describe in detail reasons behind US
decision on attacking Hiroshima with an atomic bomb.
However, author decided to use the article as a reference
for the research.
Karl T. Compton (1946) in “If The Atomic Bomb
Had Not Been Used” stated that atomic bomb introduced
dramatic element in World War II. The article only
described on what might happen if US did not attack
Japan using atomic bomb. The article didnot elaborate
reasons on US atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima city.
Taketo Suzuki (2004 : 87-88) in “Why Was the A-
Bomb Dropped in Hiroshima?” stated that reason behind
US atomic bomb attack in Japan was to end the war as
soon as possible. Taketo Suzuki only described US
decision to use atomic bomb but not decribing reasons
why Hiroshima was chosen as target for atomic bomb
attack.
Ward Wilson (2007) in “The Winning Weapon?
Rethinking Nuclear Weapons in Light of Hiroshima”
described that nuclear weapon had key role to decide the
victory of Pacific War. The research focused on reasones
whether the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima at 6 August
1945 had significant impact on the course of war and
situation after the bombing. It did not describe reasons
behind US atomic bomb attack on Hiroshim
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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019
III. PROBLEM DEFINITION
Question of the research was the reason behind USA
decision to drop the atomic bomb in Hiroshima at the end
of World War II in 1945. Why United States of America
chose Hiroshima as target of Atomic Bomb. The scope of
the research was limited on Washington Naval Power
Agreement, Pacific War as part of World War II, and US
reason launching atomic bomb attack at Hiroshima, a
bomb created by Manhattan Project.
IV. RESEARCH METHOD
The research was based on document study and
history research through heuristicc, critic or verification,
interpretation, and historiography. Data analyses was
conducted using qualitative methode and descriptive
analyses. Author described the issue, analysed it and made
conclusion.
V. DISCUSSION
A.Western Blockade on Japan
Leo Marriott (2005), in his book, stated that there
would be Naval arm race within years after World War I,
especially on US, Britain and Japan Navy, including
countries who won World War I. United States of America,
Japan, France and Italy agreed to sign treaty to prevent
arm race by designing limits on total tonnages of battle
ships of each country.
The meeting was known as Washington Naval
Treaty held in Washington DC from November 1921 to
February 1922 to discuss production limit of battleships of
each country. Japan, after signing the treaty, later realized
that the treaty was designed to limit Japan power as
strategy of Allied countries to blockade Japan navy at sea
and Manchuria campaign. Japan then realized that the
Washington Naval Treaty had become obstacle for Japan
to build their naval power.
B. Washington Naval Treaty
The Washington Naval Treaty ended the long naval
arm race at the time after World War I, where there were
many battle ships remanufactured into naval carrier. The
Washington Naval Treaty was revised by London Treaty
in 1930 and The 2nd London Treaty in 1936. In the mid of
1930s, Japan and Italy decided to withdrew themselves
from the Treaty. Their decision made The Washington
Naval Treaty weak and cannot be maintaned.
Based on Office of The Historian, there was an
article stipulated three main agreements following The
Washington Naval Treaty, they were : Five Power
Agreement, Four Power Agreement, and Nine Power
Agreement. The key subject of these agreements were as
follow:
IJISRT19JUL305
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Five Power Agreement: signed by USA, Britain, Japan,
Italy and France. Japan asked for total tonnage control
at 10:10:7 while USA asked the total tonnage at
10:10:5. The final comparison was 5:5:3:1.75:1.75 on
reason that USA and Britain had Naval Power in the
Pacific and Atlanic to secure their colony, (b) Four
Power Agreement: signed by USA, Britain, Japan and
Italy. They agreed to consult each other if crisis
emerged in the East Asia. The agreement replaced
Anglo-Japan Agreement signed in 1902, (c) Nine
Power Agreement: signed by USA, Britain, Japan,
Italy, France, Belgium, Dutch, Portuguese, and China
where they agreed to respect the soverignity of China
teritory.
Based on data of Siegfried Breyer (1973), The
Washington Naval Treaty had impact on the planning and
manufacturing of all types of battleships between 1905
and 1945 in six major countries. The researcher stated that,
total of Japan’s battleship manufacturing, under The
Washington Naval Treaty, was controlled under 50.000
tonnage. However, after Japan decided to withdraw from
The Washington Naval Treaty, total of Japan’s battleship
manufacturing was more than 70.000 tonnage. Japan’s
decision to withdraw from The Washington Naval Treaty
was based on reason to save Japan’s dignity in world
naval supremacy. Japan’s govenment was disapointed
when they found out that Japan was considered inequal to
USA and Britain. Japan considered The Washington Naval
Treaty was not fair, where total tonnage of allowed
manufactured battleships for Japan Navy were only
315.000 tonnage, while USA and Britain may
manufactured up to 525.000 tonnage each.
USA and Britain had bigger proportion in the Treaty
because both countries had their own reasons. USA had to
protect two big coastlines, while Britain had colonial
responsibilities in the world. Japan refused their reasons
and rejected the situation of being treated not as superior
country like USA and Britain. On 29 December 1934,
Japan officially withdrew from The Washington Naval
Treaty. Japan then improved the manufacturing of
battleships for their Naval fleet. The first two carrier,
Akagi and Kaga, were modernized through modification
and made them as the first sophisticated carrier in the
world after World War I (C. Peter Chen dalam Japan's
Refusal of Washington Treaty 19 Dec 1934 World War II
Database).
C. Manchuria Incident
Based on Encyclopædia of Britannica, Manchuria
was ancient teritorry at Northeast China near border of
North Korea and Uni Soviet. Manchuria had been part of
China teritory for long. On 19 September 1931, Japan
launched invasion on Manchuria, one day after Mukden
incident1 which triggered the 2nd Sino-Japan War. Based
1
Incident at Mukden (known as Shenyang nowadays),
Southern part of Manchuria, where train railroad owned
by Japan was bombed by Japanese junior officer. Japan
accused China for the bombing.
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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019
on data of Japan Foreign Ministry Archives (2009), in
1932, Japan proclaimed the new country of Manchukuo by
15 September 1932 through Japan-Manchukuo protocol.
Henri Chambert Loir (2014:1) stated that, Manchuria
incident happened because Japan did not want Russia
entered Korean teritory, which was colony of Japan.
Russia wanted Manchuria for their “Warm Water Policy”.
Russia started their train railway of Trans-Manchuria from
Harbin to Port Arthur through Mukden and penetrated
Korean area. Loir also stated that Russia sent 177.000
soldiers to Manchuria during Boxer revolt (1898-1901)2.
Japan’s government offered an agreement in 1903 to
Russia where Japan would not interfere Russia plan on
Manchuria if Russia didnot interfere Korea. Russia didnot
respond the agreemet offer from Japan and Japan declared
war to Russia by launching attacks to Port Arthur on 8
February 1904 (Henri Chambert Loir, 2014 : 2).
Manchuria was a battleground, politically and
military, for Japan, Russia and China before World War I
and World War II. Manchuria incident involving Japan
armed forces happened in 1931 and it was condemned by
Western countries and League of Nation. Japan was
considered crossing norms and ethics of world peace.
Japan finally decided to leave League of Nations when no
other country would support Japan’s policy (Harun,
Ahmad, 1996 : 11).
Japan’s nationalist-imperialist idea grew stronger
after Japan left League of Nations. In 1920s and 1930s
Japan had strong political faction named Kōdōha(皇道派)
and Tōseiha( 統 制 派 ). They had strong roles in
determining government decision but each of them had
different perspectives. Ian Buruma (2004 : 98) stated that
both factions believed that national defence should be
strengthen by national political reform. Kōdōha proposed
confrontative approaches to prepare for revolution, while
Tōseiha considered future war shall be total war and it
required solid partnership between bureaucracy and
Zaibatsu 3 to maximize Japan’s military ability and
strength. Richard J. Samuels (2007) supported Ian Buruma
on the interest of both factions. It was clear that Kōdōha
wanted Japan’s expansion strategy heading north against
Uni Sovyet while Tōseiha wanted Japan’s expansion
strategy to go south.
2 coupon. People of Hiroshima started to receive negative
Revolt in China that happened between November 1899
and 7 September1901. The revolt was triggered by a secret
group named Yihetuan (Justice and Harmony). Great
Mother Queen of China accussed the group on murder of
foreign emisaries, so she formed alliance with eight
countries : Japan, Uni Soviet, Britain, USA, Germany,
France, Austria-Hongaria, and Italy. They deployed
19.000 soldiers to quel the revolt. Boxer rebellion ended at
September 1900.
3
Japanese term for industry and conglomerat business in
the time of Japan Imperial system. They were key of
economic restoration in Japan since Meiji era.
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International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
The role of military elites in Japan grew significantly.
They had played key roles in Japan’s politic within few
years and established regime of tennosei-fascism4 which
reformed political condition in Japan and expand political
influence abroad using military power (Harun, Ahmad,
1996 : 12).
D. Hiroshima City
Based on book published by Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Museum, the Sino-Japan war brought
development and economic prosperity to Hiroshima. The
city had main harbor, Ujina, as embarcation to China
mainland. On September 1894, Imperial administration
and Diet were temporarily moved to Hiroshima from
Tokyo. At the time, Hiroshima was considered as second
capital of Japan.
The modernization in Hiroshima was triggered by
activities during Sino-Japan war. Hiroshima developed
and expanded infrastructures such as clean water lines, gas
lines, sewers, and power lines to people in Hiroshima.
Modern transportation like Tram was also built in 1912.
The presence of Tram fluorished shopping and
entertainment places for the people. There were also many
educational institutes built in Hiroshima, including Higher
Technical College, Women’s College, and private schools.
In 1920s, buildings in the city were mixed between old
and modern buildings. Bricks and stones building started
to change the appearance of the city and Law on buildings
in the city applied in Hiroshima at 1923, which turned
Hiroshima into modern city.
Military infrastructure factories were built in
Hiroshima to support war against China and Russia.
Factories to build warships and metal works grew high in
Hiroshima. At the time, Hiroshima was the most important
city for Japan military base, because Japan built Army
Headquarter to face land defense. Hiroshima had become
key city in modern military, industry and education in
Japan.
Based on book publised by Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Museum, people in Hiroshima were forced to
work and support military during World War II5. It was
admitted that people were enthusiazed on Japan’s victory
during Sino-Japan war and Japan-Russia war. People
supported military faction as they brought glory for the
country. However, things changed when people were hard
to find daily needs and foods were distributed using
impact of prolonged wars.
4
Facist soldier in Japan.
5
Shobara Forced Labor in 1943 based on National Order
Mobilization in 1939. Workers in civil companies were
forced to work in military industries. They were not just
Japanesse, but also Korean, Chinese, and others who were
forced to work in military factories of building power
plant.
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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019
E. Pacific War
Although there are many books describing Pacific
War, some of them are “Pearl Harbor as History
Japanese-American Relations 1931-1941” wrote by
Dorothy Borg and Shumpei Okamoto (1973) and book
“And I was There: Pearl Harbor and Midway-Breaking
The Secrets” by Rear Admiral Edwin T. Layton (1985),
these two books didnot describe Pacific war completely.
Author then used book entitled “Perang Pasifik” by Peng
Koen Ojong (2005), which completely described about
Pacific War. Peng Koen Ojong is a well known and
respected senior journalist in Indonesia. Ojong wrote that
on Sunday, 7 December 1941, there was an immediate
attack on US naval base Pearl Harbor, where Japan
deployed 360 air fighters and sunked or damaged 8
battleships. The incident marked as the beginning of
Pacific War. On 8 December 1941, US Congress declared
war against Japan, which was signed by US President
Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Cornelia Schmitz-Berning (2007 : 745) stated that
countries invloved in World War II and Pacific War were
countries allied in two blocks : Axis block and Allied
block. Axis block consisted of countries of Japan,
Germany and Italy. Allied blocks consisted of countries of
USA, Britain, Uni Soviet, and Cina. Pacific war was the
begining of World War II in Asia.
Japan launched attacks to conquer Western colonies
in Asia once controlled by Britain and Dutch 6 . Allied
naval fleet was vanquished on Java Sea at 8 April 1942
and US Army surrendered to Japan in Philippine. The
situation had made USA prepared large scale of naval fleet
to face Japan.
Japan attacked Port Moresby, New Guinea and
Tulagi island at Solomon island. The attack was known as
Battle of Coral Sea7 where Japan losted four major aircraft
carriers in the battle. 1943 is the consolidation year for all
conflicting parties in the Pacific war. Japan prepared next
moves to fight against allied forces, while allied forces
were consolidating the best efforts to optimize their
resources 8 . In 1943, USA manufatured military
equipments such as fighter plane and warship. In the end
of 1943, USA manufactured more than 7.000 fighter
planes per month, while Japan only manufactured 1.500
planes per month. USA manufactured 500 warships while
Japan only manufactured 30 warships9. These data showed
how USA had managed their potential much better than
Japan. It could be also the reason why Japan lost Pacific
War.
6
“Pacific Summary,” The War Times Journal.
http://www.wtj.com/articles/pacific_summary/index.htm
7
James Bowen, “Japan Attacks The Philippines, 1941- 42.”
2009,
http://www.pacificwar.org.au/Philippines/Philindex.htm
8
“Pacific Summary,” The War Times Journal.
http://www.wtj.com/articles/pacific_summary/index.htm
9
Ibid.
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International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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F. Manhattan Project and Decision for Atomic Bomb
Leslie R. Groves (1962 : 3) stated that in September
1942, Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War, through
Lieutenant General Brehon Somervell as Commanding
General of the Army Services of Supply, asked Leslie to
come to Washington. Leslie was Deputy Chief of the
Army Corps of Engineers, to summon important project
later known as Manhattan project. It was led by USA and
supported by Britain and Canada. The whole research was
led by US Physist Julius Robert Oppenheimer. The origin
research of atomic bomb was actually from world known
physist Albert Einstein. He did not take part in Manhattan
project, but initiated the research of atomic bomb in the
USA. The formula of 𝐸 = 𝑀𝐶 2 was formula designed by
Albert Einstein as basic theory for atomic bomb10.
The Manhattan project was started by physyst
imigrants in USA11 after they ran away from Adolf Hitler
because they suspected NAZI were also developing
atomic bomb. President Roosevelt, after receiving letter
from Albert Einstein, asked physyst to develop atomic
bomb secretly. The Manhattan project was designed to
anticipate German attack which also conducted research
on atomic bomb. The bomb was finally dropped in two
Japan’s cities because Germany had surrendered. Little
Boy, the atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima was
manufactured by the Manhattan project, using Uranium-
235 12 . It had 3 meters length, 71 cms wide, and total
weight of 4000 kgs13. Little Boy was the first atomic bomb
exploded and destroyed a city in the world. There were
292.325 people killed in Hiroshima14.
J. Samuel Walker wrote “The Decision to Use the
Bomb: A Historiographical Update” in Hiroshima in
History and Memory (Horgan, Michael J.1996: 11-37). He
stated that, there were some opinions among experts on
decision to drop atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Herbet Feis (1961) supported the decision made by The
U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey where the war might end
in late 1945 without atomic bomb as Uni Soviet would
take part on invasion to Japan.
10
Walter Isaacson, “Chain Reaction: From Einstein to the
Atomic Bomb,”Discover Magazine, 2008.
http://discovermagazine.com/2008/mar/18-chain-reaction-
from-einstein-to-the-atomic-bomb
11
Richard Rhodes,The Making of the Atomic
Bomb,(United States:1988).
12
Isotopuranium-235 had to be physically separated from
isotop uranium-238 because uranium-238 is not match for
explosive.
13
Editor Plimbi, “Melihat Kembali Struktur Bom Atom
Little Boy dan Fat Man,” 2013.
http://www.plimbi.com/article/131281/melihat-kembali-
struktur-bom-atom-little-boy-and-f
14
Muhaimin, “Kisah Ngeri Korban Selamat Bom Atom AS
di Hiroshima,” Sindonews,
2015.https://international.sindonews.com/read/1029776/40
/kisah-ngeri-korban-selamat-bom-atom-as-di-hiroshima-
1438769832
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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019
Gar Alperovitz (1965) stated that, political issue was
the key factor on the use of atomic bomb in Hiroshima. He
insisted that the use of atomic bomb would made
significant impression to the Uni Soviet not to defeat
Japan. Alperovitz agreed with Feis argument that atomic
bomb is not necesary in Pacific War, but had another
opinion on the issue. Alperovitz stated that President
Truman and his councellors should see atomic bomb as
“diplomatic key” to prevent Uni Soviet ambition in
Eastern Europe and Asia. Lisle A. Rose (1973) disagreed
with Alperovitz arguments. He stated that Truman adopted
late strategy by delivering Postdam agereement and
hoping that atomic bomb would be used on the right time.
He rejected political reason behind the use of atomic bomb
in Hiroshima.
Martin J. Sherwin (1975) stated that, the main reason
on the use of atmoic bomb was to end the war as soon as
possible. Barton J. Bernstein (1975), on the other side
stated that, all alternatives were not approved by decision
makers, as considered too risky than using atomic bomb.
Bernstein stated that there was no reason not to drop the
atomic bomb in Japan. They should use the bomb to end
the war, save American lives and hope for diplomatic
impact15 from Uni Soviet.
Based on original notulent kept by Harry S. Truman
Library & Museum, on 17 July until 2 August 1945, USA,
Britain and Uni Soviet held Postdam Conference. Based
on the Postdam conference, scientists had sent a letter to
President Harry S. Truman, USA should not use atomic
bomb without a warning. Based on a book published by
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, USA had invited
Uni Soviet to Postdam Conference because President of
USA knew Japan was negotiating with Uni Soviet for
peaceful solution. USA believed that the use of atomic
bomb may end the war and prevent Uni Soviet influence
in East Asia aftermath.
On 26 July 1945, USA, Britain and China signed
Postdam Declaration or unconditional surrender for Japan.
The declaration decided the future of Japan’s Emperor in
the future, secret agreement between Uni Soviet and USA
to declare war against Japan, and the use of atomic bomb.
Japan rejected Postdam declaration and USA decided to
drop atomic bomb on 6 August 1945 in Hiroshima.
VI. RESULTS
There were many debates on why US decided to
drop atomic bomb at Hiroshima not Tokyo, capital of
Japan. The selection of targeted city was based on three
conditions: (1) The diameter of targeted city should be
more than 4.8 kilometers and hold key role as major city.
(2) Effective blast impact, (c) Targeted city might have
never been attacked by August 194516.
15
Indonesian Language Dictionary:Providing permit or
right
16
“The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The
Selection of the Target,”Atomic Archives.
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International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
War committee proposed five major cities as target:
(1) Kokura, the city had the largest amunition factory, (2)
Hiroshima, the city was the key place for personnel
deployment, warfare logistic and headquarter of the armed
forces, (3) Yokohama, the city was the place for aircraft
and warship manufacturing, machinery, electrical and oil
refinery, (4) Nīgata, the city was also key place for
personnel deployment, oil refinery, and place for major
industries, (5) Kyoto, the city was location of major
industries in Japan17.
Kyoto was selected as main target and Hiroshima as
secondary target. However, Kyoto was dropped from
target list due to cultural preservation. Harry S. Truman,
wrote in his diary that, after watching the potential
devastation of Kyoto by atomic bomb, he decided to
dropped Kyoto (the old capital of Japan) and Tokyo (the
caiptal of Japan) from target list for the shake of humanity
and his position as the world leader. He considered the list
was made based on military perspective. Henry L.
Stimson, US Secretary of War, was actually the person
who gave advice to Harry S. Truman not to dropped the
bomb in Kyoto. Based on an article published by BBC
(2015), Prof. Wellerstein stated that Stimson had visited
Kyoto several times in 1920s when he served as Governor
of Philippine. Prof. Wellerstein also stated that, Stimson
experience in Kyoto during his honey moon had given him
enough knowledge on Kyoto as the city preserving
Japan’s tradition.
Based on the book of The Spirit of Hiroshima,
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum stated that Hiroshima
was secondary capital of Japan in wartime and center of
modern industry. During World War II, Hiroshima was
almost never being hit by air strike18. Hiroshima was also
important military base, harbor city for personnel
deployment and the situation around the city was suitable
as target for atomic bomb 19 . A website in Japan named
The Spirit of Hiroshima stated that at the end of the war,
most major cities in Japan was destroyed by air strike,
unless Hiroshima. USA had made Hiroshima as AA target,
meaning the main target for atomic bomb by USA, with
reasons as follow: (1) The size and landscape of
Hiroshima matched to the needed target for Little Boy,
Hiroshima was never been attacked and made impact
calculation easier, (2) Hiroshima had large military base,
http://www.atomicarchive.com/Docs/MED/med_chp5.sht
ml
17
“Summary of Target Committee Meetings on 10 and 11
May 1945,”U.S National
Archives.http://nsarchive.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB162
/6.pdf
18
Fajar Nugraha,“Alasan Hiroshima dan Nagasaki di Bom
Atom oleh AS,” Okezone News, 2011.
http://news.okezone.com/read/2011/08/07/413/489128/ala
san-hiroshima-dan-nagasaki-dibom-atom-oleh-as
19
Don Hale, “U.S Planned to Drop 12 Bombs on Japan.
The Daily Beast,” (London:2015).
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/14/u-s-
planned-to-drop-12-atomic-bombs-on-japan.html
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military storage facility and manufacturer that had not
been destroyed.
VII. CONCLUSION
Based on explanation above, US chose Hiroshima
based on military reasons. Hiroshima was the actual
military challenge. The city was center for Japan’s
military industry, major harbor city, headquarter for Japan
military, and played role as secondary capital during the
1st Sino-Japan war. Hiroshima layout and landscape as
dense residential city also became reason for USA to drop
the atomic bomb in the heart of Hiroshima. The selection
of target in the city was based on calculation of blast
impact that would destroy entire infrastructure of
Hiroshima city.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
nd
This paper is part of the Proceeding of the 2
International Young Scholars Symposium of Humanities
and Arts (INUSHARTS 2017)
 Original title in Bahasa
Indonesia Hiroshima Sebagai Target Serangan Bom Atom
Amerika Serikat pada Tahun 1945. The Universitas
Indonesia, under Program Hibah Publikasi Internasional
Terindeks Untuk Tugas Akhir Mahasiswa UI (PITTA)
Tahun 2017, supported this research. Thank to The
Directorate of Research and Community Engagement
Universitas Indonesia (DPRM) UI. and Committee of
INUSHARTS (International Young Scholars Symposium
on Humanities and Arts) which accepted this paper be
presented at the Symposium ( 28-30 Agustus 2017),
Faculty of Humanities Universitas Indonesia.
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